For a long time, opting for an SUV over a traditional luxury sedan came with a slew of trade-offs in the name of increased utility and ride height. Sure, you’d get more space and better capability, but driving dynamics, looks and fuel economy took a major hit by going with a four-wheeler.

As the years have gone by, however, the compromises have gotten slimmer thanks to weight reduction, suspension technology and clever powertrain solutions, and it seems the luxury SUV innovation boom has all been leading up to one thing: the 2017 Audi Q7.

Normally, SUVs trade driving dynamics and fuel economy for increased utility. Audi has effectively put an end to the compromises with the new 2017 Q7.

We explored the pros and cons of Audi’s biggest SUV just a few months ago, but with a week and several hundred miles behind the wheel, the Q7’s true colors started to come into focus… and the picture is more vibrant than ever.

Design: 9.3 Rating

Audi set the bar too high in terms of design in recent years, so everything that comes after it feels like a letdown. The Q7 is no exception.

(Joanna Tavares)

It’s a shame when an automaker releases the latest and greatest version of one of those models, and the general consensus on looks is a resounding “meh,” but that’s not necessarily Audi’s designers’ fault. You see, when the original version looks so good to begin with, anything that comes afterwards will feel like a disappointment.

Such is the case with the Q7, a lackluster follow-up to the curvy, aggressive design that was the original. Sure, it’s sharper, more modern and a bit more understated, but ungainly proportions, an off-kilter rear fascia, and wheels that don’t seem to compliment the vehicles size make for a lukewarm feeling, especially when finished in a drab gray.

The interior of the Q7 is a gorgeous, high-tech oasis, boasting Audi's signature modern design in every detail.

(Joanna Tavares)

Fortunately, almost every single complaint about the exterior can be remedied if you climb inside the Q7 and refuse to leave, as this cabin is absolutely one of the best in the business.

Fit and finish is immaculate, and the wide, long vent that spans across the sea of soft touch materials, piano black plastic, dark finish wood trim and metal makes for a wholly modern and high design experience. Every detail of the Q7’s cabin has clearly been carefully thought out, with ambient LED stripes that highlight design lines, soft leather or composites on high-contact areas, and the general feeling that you’re commanding the Starship Enterprise.

Go ahead, Captain Kirk. Throw it into warp speed.

Comfort: 9.0 Rating

The front seats of the Q7 are the best in the business with heated, ventilated and multiple massage functions. Unfortunately, Audi neglected the poor souls banished to the third row.

(Joanna Tavares)

Thankfully, high design doesn’t come at the cost of high comfort, as the leather thrones in the Q7 are some of the best in the business, especially when you set heating or ventilation and one of the many massage functions available in the front seats. Of course, these functions are only available with the $6,000 luxury package, but trust me when I say you’ll never regret spending a penny of that six large.

Quad-zone climate control comes standard on the top-tier Prestige trim (which comes at a $9,500 premium over the base Q7), and heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel are optional, too. Rear passengers, then, will find themselves plenty comfortable, with an adjustable seat back and sliding base, acres of legroom and sunshades, in case things get too bright back there.

The only reason the Q7 misses a perfect score for comfort is the penalty box known as the third row seat. I squeezed six Daily News Autos members into the big Audi for a lunch run (tacos, of course), and the third row seat passengers didn’t have many kind things to say about the Q7 at all when the drive concluded. If you intend to transport more than 5 people on a regular basis, make sure the additional two are children – or at least child-sized.

Controls: 10.0 Rating

The perfect marriage of form and function, the Audi Multi-Media Interface controller, or MMI, features a touchpad located perfectly within arms reach and an easily navigatable interface.

(Joanna Tavares)

As it turns out, designs are most effective when both form and function are emphasized, and other than a few exceptions, other luxury brands could stand to learn a thing or two from Audi. By distilling its many features and controls into centralized locations that make sense based on their grouping and placement, the Q7 is instantly user-friendly. Climate controls are grouped right in the center of the dashboard with a crystal-clear display and gorgeous machined aluminum knobs, lighting, driver assist functions and more live to the left of the steering wheel, and everything in the car can be controlled within an arm’s reach.

Another highlight is the Multi-Media Interface controller, or MMI, as Audi calls it. This big touchpad and dial are located just beyond the flat, wide shifter, which serves as a resting spot for your wrist when using the system. Media, navigation, phone and radio functions are easily controllable with two toggle switches, and you can cycle through menus either by twisting the dial or pushing it in any direction.

The touch pad also allows you to write in directions with your finger when using the navigation system, and while it’s not flawless, it was easier than using the dial to cycle through every letter, number and symbol. And if manual controls aren’t your thing, Audi’s voice recognition system works better than most in the industry.

Utility: 8.0 Rating

The Q7 looks and drives great, but a practical cargo hauler it is not.

(Joanna Tavares)

Where the Q7 falters a bit is in the utility department. Yes, this is a full-size luxury SUV, and as such it can haul more stuff than the majority of vehicles on the road, but for something so large, cargo space leaves something to be desired.

Volume behind the third row seats stands at 14.8 cubic feet, while the sleeker (and cheaper) A6 sedan manages 14.1 cubic feet without the risk of items stacked on top of each other falling out when you open the trunk. What’s more, while that figure increases to 37.5 cubic feet and 71.6 respectively with the third and second row seats folded, the Q7 manages to hold less than a cubic foot more than a Honda CR-V, for something that costs more than twice as much.

Sure, nobody will be cross-shopping the two, but if you’re looking for pure utility in your luxury SUV, consider looking elsewhere.

Thankfully, there are storage pockets and cubbies galore, so if you’re the type to travel with plenty of knick-knacks, this Audi is happy to oblige.

Technology: 9.5 Rating

The Virtual Cockpit makes the Q7 a supercomputer on wheels. And the best part? You can retract the central screen, unlike in other luxury brands. We're looking at you, Mercedes.

(Joanna Tavares)

If you take a look at the headline again, you’ll see that the Q7’s tech-savviness is one of its defining features, as has been the case with most of Audi’s new-generation vehicles like the A4 sedan. By employing clever, next-generation features like the Virtual Cockpit, the Q7 feels like a supercomputer on wheels, largely because it is.

Let’s start with the Virtual Cockpit, which is one of my favorite features of any current car. This 12.3-inch digital display is definitely not the first of its kind, but it’s certainly the best. With a gorgeous interface that allows you to display phone, media, vehicle information and a full-HD satellite navigation map powered by Google Earth, not to mention the ability to change the size of the gauges for engine and vehicle speed, the Virtual Cockpit almost completely negates the need for the 8.3-inch traditional screen mounted on the dashboard. In fact, I often found myself shutting off and retracting the central screen, a function that Audi mercifully still allows you to do unlike certain luxury brands (cough cough, Mercedes-Benz).

In the Q7, it's a techy's paradise with every feature and service you could imagine.

(Joanna Tavares)

Besides that display, the Audi Connect suite of services gives you access to local gas prices, will tell you the weather at any location, and allow you to perform a Google search, too. It also provides the option for 4G LTE Wi-Fi for multiple devices, an increasingly popular feature in large vehicles for when the kids – or adults, even – get restless in the back seat. And if for some reason you don’t prefer to use the MMI system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available for the Q7 too.

And how could I forget to mention the stereo? The optional Bang and Olufsen system is one of the best in the business, with crisp, clear highs and melodic bass that refuses to scream at you. The pop-up tweeters in each lower corner of the windshield are a neat touch, too.

Safety: 10.0 Rating

Pending a crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Q7 did get a perfect score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning it the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award.

(Joanna Tavares)

While the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated it, the Q7 received perfect marks on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) test cycle, garnering a Top Safety Pick+ award.

With a Top Safety Pick+ and a host of advanced safety features, Audi checks all the boxes when it comes to keeping you and your brood safe.

(Joanna Tavares)

The rear cross-traffic alert system will not only alert you when a vehicle or person is crossing your path while backing up, but will stop the car for you if things get too close for comfort. There is also front autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, a night vision assist and pedestrian detection. Even if you miss something, the Q7 likely won’t.

There’s even a vehicle exit assist system that will warn you if a cyclist, pedestrian, or other vehicle is approaching before you open the door.

A 360-degree camera system makes parking this luxury behemoth a breeze, and the adaptive cruise control system works seamlessly, even slowing, stopping and restarting the car in stop-and-go traffic situations. At speeds of up to almost 40 mph, the Q7 can virtually drive itself.

Power and Performance: 8.4 Rating

Right now, there's only one engine option available on the Q7, but it's more than enough to get you from Point A to Point B with ease.

(Joanna Tavares)

Currently, the only powertrain available for the Q7 is a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 that makes 333 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. A smaller-output turbocharged four-cylinder Q7 is coming at a later date, but for now, this is absolutely the powertrain you want.

Despite its heft, the Q7 saved over 300 pounds compared to the outgoing version, so the supercharged V-6 hustles this massive SUV along to 60 mph and beyond without agitated hustle, but with surprising ease and pace. Press the accelerator hard, and speed swells in a linear, relaxed manner, not jerky or overzealous in the slightest.

Boasting decent fuel economy and lightning fast-shifting, the only penalty the Q7 takes is in the braking department.

(Joanna Tavares)

The 8-speed transmission is a revelation, too, with lightning-fast shifts and the ability to remain in or move to the proper gear without much coercing from the driver, something many 8-, 9-, or 10-speed transmissions have issues with.

Fuel economy is respectable as well for such a large SUV with a healthy power output. While the EPA rates the Q7’s average fuel economy at 21 mpg, I managed 21.8 on my 70-mile test loop thanks to features like automatic start/stop.

The only drawbacks of the Q7’s performance chops are the brakes, which take a bit more input than most to slow the beast down, and the somewhat lackadaisical responsiveness in comfort mode when you really plant your foot down.

Ride and Handling: 9.0 Rating

The Q7 turns with all the agility of a sports car and tackles the blemishes of the tri-state area with the composure of a pickup.

(Joanna Tavares)

For such a massive vehicle, the Q7 handles like a wagon and rides like a luxury sedan, mostly thanks to Audi’s excellent air suspension system. There are multiple ride heights and driving modes to choose from, each of which comes with their own distinct character and feel. I mostly left the Q7 in “Auto” mode, which picks the best suspension setup and driving feedback setting for your current driving habits and conditions.

Turn in is direct and telepathic, and while steering feel is much lighter than I prefer, the Q7 darts into corners with the agility of a sports sedan, and maintains flatness and composure throughout the turn at pretty much any speed. Road noise is minimal, too, and even the biggest road blemishes and potholes come and go with ease at almost any speed, and being a New Yorker, this is a luxury that cannot be overemphasized.

Overall, it’s just a breeze to drive, and I felt relaxed every time I was behind the wheel. Sure, the massaging seats helped that a bit, but the reality is that the Q7 inspires confidence no matter what the driving conditions.

Our Recommendation:

The Audi Q7 has set the bar high for other luxury, fullsize SUVs.

(Joanna Tavares)

I didn’t expect to like the Q7 as much as I do, mostly because the styling really left me feeling cold, but after a week behind the wheel and performing such duties as shuttling my visiting parents around the city and making a massive Costco run, I’ve happily drank the Kool-Aid.

The Q7 sets a new bar for luxury SUVs, especially in terms of drivability and tech-savviness. Many buyers may still be swayed by the fine leather and street cred of a Range Rover at the higher end of the Q7’s price range, or the sports car-like driving manners of a Porsche Cayenne, but few SUVs can come close to offering what the Q7 does overall.

A warning to the price-conscious, though: choose your options carefully. The Q7 that I tested rang in at over $85,000, a whopping $30,000 more than the base price. If you can live without certain luxuries like heated rear seats and an imitation suede headliner, the Q7 can be had at a much more reasonable price, and that makes it an absolute steal.